Welcome Home Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and all those attached to her battlegroup returned home from a 6 month deployment Wednesday, May 23, 2012.  There was a huge crowd pier side waiting for their loved ones to disembark. 

Usually by the time the ship is actually moored at the dock, families have been waiting for at least a couple hours.  Some mark a spot with chairs or blankets, while others head to an area where they can watch the ship come through the channel and then find a space pier side.

Traditionally the Captain of the ship (a Captain in rank) and the Commander of the Strike Group (an Admiral in rank) are the first to disembark.  Though each ship has its own way of determining who gets to exit next, it is usually new fathers, those with babies born while they were deployed.  Some ships hold a raffle or host contests to determine who will exit after the new parents.  The rest of the schedule is based on rank with a liberty call for CPO's (Chief Petty Officers) and Officers followed by a liberty call for E-6 and below.

 Everyone in the crowd has a different way to get the attention of their service member.  Some used only cell phones to attempt contact while others made signs, held flags or balloons, or other means to help them stand out in the crowd. It is very fulfilling to finally spot each other and though the communication is non verbal, with waves and smiles, it is a wonderful precursor to the hugs and kisses that will follow.

A family reunited!!

It is an exciting time for the friends and families of those returning.  Welcome home everyone!  We are glad you are home safe and sound.

Kellee Hearther

Online Editorial Intern

eCoronado.com

Please email me at calikellee@gmail.com if you have something you would love to read about.